Arsenal handed major boost in pursuit of £17m dynamic ex-Man United star

Arsenal have been handed a major boost in any pursuit of Barcelona forward Memphis Depay, according to reports.

The Gunners are in the market for a new wide forward in January, in order to provide competition for Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and the returning Emile Smith Rowe.

Nicolas Pepe is out on loan at Nice, while Brazilian starlet Marquinhos has primarily featured in the Europa League this term.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with Shakhtar star Mykhaylo Mudryk, having held talks with player and club in the summer. However, they pulled out of the deal due to the high asking price, according to Fabrizio Romano.

In a recent interview with Ukrainian TV presenter - and wife of Gunners star Oleksandr Zinchenko - Vlada Sedan, Mudryk said he would be 'excited' to play alongside Zinchenko at the Emirates Stadium.

In addition, he has also admitted he has been learning English for several years, which could give Arsenal further hope that they can sign him.

If he does not join in January, however, Arsenal are reportedly exploring a much cheaper option.

Barca were reportedly asking for £17m to sell Depay in June, due to their financial problems - a fee well within Arsenal's price range.

And now the Gunners have been handed another major boost.

Arsenal keen on Depay

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona will allow Depay to depart the club if he so desires in the January transfer window, and there is the suggestion that he could leave on a free transfer.

It also claimed that the player wants a 'top-level sports project' - something which the Gunners certainly can offer him.

They sit five points clear of the Premier League, and will be in top position on Christmas Day as the World Cup break comes to an end.

It is arguably the most exciting time to be an Arsenal fan for many years, and that will no doubt not be lost on Depay if he is truly keen on making the move to London.

A former Manchester United star, the 28-year-old also reportedly rejected Tottenham in the summer, which could also hold him in good stead with the Gunners faithful.

For now, though, Sport claim that he does not want to make a decision over his future until after the World Cup.

Netherlands take on Senegal in their opening game of the competition on Monday, with Louis van Gaal's side then taking on Ecuador and Qatar in Group A.